As Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary, The Shark Is Broken takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the most iconic films of all time. Co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the play delves into the turbulent relationship between the three lead actors—Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider—while they waited aboard The Orca for filming delays to subside. Following its successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London’s West End, and Broadway, this Olivier-nominated production is now making waves on a UK and Ireland tour.
Set during the troubled shoot of Jaws, the play imagines the tense, often hilarious, and sometimes poignant interactions between the three actors. With the mechanical shark constantly malfunctioning, they are forced into long stretches of downtime on the cramped boat, leading to clashing egos, philosophical debates, and moments of surprising vulnerability. At the centre of it all is Robert Shaw, played by his real-life son Ian Shaw, whose legendary drinking habits and theatrical grandeur dominate the exchanges, especially in his fiery relationship with the younger, eager-to-impress Richard Dreyfuss. As they bicker, bond, and question their careers, The Shark Is Broken becomes more than just a backstage drama—it’s a meditation on fame, artistic integrity, and the ghosts that haunt us.
The production’s biggest triumph is its immersive set design. The Orca is meticulously recreated, placing the audience right in the midst of the tension. A backdrop of shifting ocean projections subtly reinforces the passage of time and the vast isolation of their predicament. While the original Jaws soundtrack is absent, the play uses clever audio cues and an opening nod to the shark itself that will amuse film fans. Costumes are period-accurate, instantly transporting us to the 1970s, with each character’s look reflecting their personality—Shaw’s rugged weariness, Dreyfuss’ eager energy, and Scheider’s measured calm.
Ian Shaw delivers an uncanny portrayal of his father, capturing both his larger-than-life bravado and the deeply ingrained self-doubt lurking beneath. His performance is layered, shifting seamlessly between cruel wit and unexpected tenderness, particularly in a moving moment where he helps Dreyfuss through a panic attack. Ashley Margolis embodies the nervous, attention-seeking Dreyfuss with a perfect balance of arrogance and insecurity, while Dan Fredenburgh as Scheider provides a much-needed stabilising presence, the peacekeeper caught between two clashing personalities. The chemistry between the trio is electric, making the play’s ninety-minute runtime fly by.
The Shark Is Broken is a clever, funny, and surprisingly touching exploration of the chaos behind a cinematic masterpiece. While it occasionally loses momentum towards the end, it remains a gripping insight into the pressures of filmmaking, the price of artistic ambition, and the real-life drama that unfolded behind the scenes of Jaws. Packed with humour, nostalgia, and a deep emotional undercurrent, this production proves that sometimes, the best stories happen when the cameras aren’t rolling. Fans of Jaws will appreciate the many in-jokes and references, but even those unfamiliar with the film will find themselves drawn into this brilliantly crafted tale. A four-star triumph that’s sure to make a splash on tour.
The Shark Is Broken is at The Lowry until Saturday 8th January 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Manuel Harlan
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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